Stories of Hope

Hope Weekly 5/2/2019

A couple of months ago, Principal Sarah Geukes of Central Elementary School (Hastings) received a Hope Grant through our partnership with the B2 Store in Hastings, Michigan. She was encouraged to bring hope to her school through blessing students and faculty in ways that would raise their spirits and bring encouragement. She said that she tried to choose ways to use the money “that impacted students, staff, and families at the school.” Here is what she did:

1. I took the teachers out to Mexican Connexion for lunch on a professional development day. They really enjoyed a nice lunch together (and one outside of the building!). Lunch out is a rare treat for teachers!

2. I had postcards made that say “Great News from School! Central Elementary.” Staff members have been writing postcards to students to encourage and celebrate great things happening at school. I had a student just this week pull out a postcard from her backpack to show me the note that she got from a teacher! Her smile said it all!

3. I sent four K-2nd grade teachers to literacy training in Bay City. The training itself was inexpensive, but I used the Hope Grant to pay for hotel rooms for the teachers which were not in the budget. They really learned a lot at the training and appreciated the time to build relationships with each other outside of school!

4. I am using the remaining money to pay for a family picnic (hot dogs, chips, lemonade, etc) on the evening of May 29. We are kicking off our Summer Reading Program that evening. I am hoping that food will help encourage families to attend and engage in our summer reading program. My goal for the program is to help reduce “summer slide” by providing books and activities for families to have at home.

Great job Sarah! Thank you for partnering with us in bringing hope to others. How is God calling you to make a difference in your community? Maybe it is serving your local school as a volunteer! Whatever it is, join the fun. Together, we are bringing hope to the Gun Lake Region.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit!” Romans 15:13